Flex As Necessary

Life is for one act only; improvisation is required! – Anon

Gideon and his 300 men defeated the Midianites without a sword among them. Just trumpets, empty jars, shouts, and of course – God. Hmm!

Complacency, conformity, and rigidity are too common in our lives. We love being where we are, who we are; and will fight anyone tooth and nail to keep things the way they are. We forget we serve a God who manifested Himself in many diverse ways. He’s the master of improvisation. He made even ‘devout’ folks like Elijah and Peter eat things they considered unclean, or go places they felt beneath them, just to bring glory to His name. So we, though confident in our faith; should never feel God won’t ‘stretch’ us in ways that require us to improvise. We need remember that though God loves us as we are, He’s making us into what He wants us to be, and that may require us being ‘bent out of shape’ by Him and for Him. Here’s hoping we’re all somewhat flexible.

I'll be taking a few days off.....so until next week…

Pastor Botts

“….I can do everything through Him who gives me strength…” – Philippians 4:13

What We Do In The Dark

Live in such a manner that you wouldn’t be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip. – Anon

The bible says Moses was more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. What a character reference. Hmm!

One thing is for sure in this life, we will all have good days and bad days, ups and downs, situations and circumstances sometimes all beyond our control. However, how we handle those times is completely within our control. God expects us to maintain self-control, with no “unwholesome” talk coming from our lips. We must remember that what we do in the dark will come to light. Though others may not see or hear you – GOD DOES!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” – I Peter 2:11-12

Easy Listening Music

In the silence behind what can be heard lies the answers we have been searching for for so long. - A. Fransson

The book of Genesis tells us God 'spoke' the heavens into existence; and they haven't been quiet since then. There's a lesson there!

We've all probably witnessed it. Ask a grandmother how her grandkids are and be prepared to spend some time there. Out come the photos, then come the stories told with much joy and love. It's just a natural response to a beautiful relationship. And so it goes with the 'heavens.' The question I would ask is how much 'airtime' do we earnestly give to God. We live in a world with a video/audio mega port that constantly and loudly promotes anti-biblical themes, values, self-promotion, and ungodly living. But yet, none of these things can really hold a candle to the truth and goodness of God if we would but silence our hearts and listen. We talk about easy listening music - God invented it Himself at creation.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The heavens declare the glories of God......there is no speech or language where their voice is not heard." - Psalm 19:1, 3

God's Rhythmic Dance

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain...... - song refrain

David was 'anointed' king long before he became king, but he steadily walked with God along the way. Amen!

To truly understand and feel the rhythm and cadence of the creation story is to know and appreciate God's love for us and His faithfulness to us. He took His time to build the galaxies and heavens, perfectly align our planetary system, build the needed infrastructures on the earth, all BEFORE He created all the living beings (animals, fish, fowl, Man) to inhabit them. Maybe, just maybe He needs to do the same in your life right now to move it forward. It may be taking a while for you to heal, advance, see progress, etc. (a day with the Lord is as a 1,000 years) but trust He IS at His work. If we take a moment to look back, we'll see just how faithful He has been. It's His nature. Just continue to dance to the rhythm and pace He sets and know that He will bring you through this as well to His glory and praise.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...the revelation awaits an appointed time....though it linger, wait for it. It will certainly come and will not delay." - Habakkuk 2:3

You Matter

Everything you've always want to be, you already are. You're simply on the path to discovering it. - A. Keys

Elijah in his depression tried to run away and thought of death. God found him and told him his life still mattered. Amen!

When I was a kid I collected marbles, a drawerful of them, I had my favorites - cat's eye, steelies, boulders, etc. - of course. I also collected baseball cards, again with my favorite players getting top placement and care. The bible tells us God knows each star by name. Can you imagine that? When you consider the Milky Way and the billions upon billions of stars there, and each one having a name assigned by the Almighty. This should impress upon us how important we are to God, that in fact each one of us is His favorite. After all, we were made in His image. He not only knows our name but seeks to abide in our hearts each day. Through our ups and downs, tears and joys, and even in our darkest moments. He calls us 'beloved.' Why, not feel that way today!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"What is man that you are mindful of him?" - Psalm 8:3

Letting God Rule

If there is good in everyone, then there is God in everyone. The key is letting God rule. - Anon

Do you ever really wonder why you were made in God's image? Hmm!

God accepts us as we are - all scarred, sinful, battle-beaten, fearful - but sees us as we were meant to be as made in His image. When the farmer plants that handful of hard, dried, often mis-shaped seeds in the soil, he already sees in his mind a full harvest. Yes, it will take cultivating, pruning, watering, and great patience to get there, but the reward is well worth the labor. This is how God sees us - He has an amazing pair of 'rose colored' glasses - as bearers of His image. We are eternal spiritual beings going through a human cultivation process, bearing rewarding fruit here on earth AND building treasure in heaven. The whole key to successful transition is letting God rule. When you take a look at nature and all His creation you can see He's mighty good at it.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." - Romans 8:28

Always Watching Over

God is the true Prodigal Father, His house is always open to hope. - Anon

The Prodigal son's journey just made the light in his father's heart burn brighter. Hmm!

We see them and kind of chuckle. At one time we were just like them. The over-protective parent, hovering over their child's every move, eyes darting every which way to make sure everything and everyone in the surrounding area is safe. We know how tiring that is and feel for them. Do we ever think of God in light of this? We should. In truth He is just like that parent with us, ever present, ever checking on us, making preparations up ahead for us. Always trying to keep us safe, saved, and secure, even in our stubbornness. The great thing is He will never grow weary, tired, or frustrated watching over us. Not only is that good to know, it's also worthy of praise and thanksgiving.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep......the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." - Psalm 121:4,8

Nip It in the Bud

The trouble with little sins is that they don’t stay little. – Anon

Cain, Achan, David, the woman at the well. These people thought their sin was well concealed, but somehow it got bigger than them. OUCH!

It happens in almost every family where the firstborn son is named Junior. He normally turns out to be several times as big as his father. Sin has a lifecycle like that as well. Starting small with maybe just a thought or hint, but left unchecked it grows into a massive slave owner. At first, sin does fascinate, but in the end, it assassinates. Often, we feel we’ll be the one to beat it, to get away with it and keep it secret, but God sees all we do, and “the wages of sin is still death.” But God’s “mercies are new every morning,” and with each new day He gives us a new opportunity to “go and sin no more.” HALLELUJAH!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"You may be sure that your sin will find you out.” – Deuteronomy 32:23

P.S. - if you haven't done so, don't forget to register for our Good Friday Service tomorrow night beginning at 6pm.

Buddy System

We are all something, but none of us are everything. – B. Pascal

God said Adam would be better off with Eve, not without. Hmm!

No man is an island unto himself. No matter what he has accomplished thus far, no matter what great plans he has laid out for himself, he will need others in his life if for nothing else but to cheer him on. God has placed each of us in a position wherein we are not complete without Him, and the only way to be complete in Him is through relationships with others. Though Jesus often withdrew to “lonely places” to pray, He himself was not a loner. He surrounded himself with those who would help Him carry out and complete His mission. He is our perfect example. When we try to go it alone or avoid the fellowship, we are actually only setting ourselves up for trouble.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’” – I Corinthians 12:21

Friendship With No Boundaries

I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not need to even consult his calendar. – R. Brault

One good thing about Job's friends is that they stayed with him throughout his ordeal. Hmm!

In this era of exponentially expanding social media outlets and apps for this and that, seems we’re all trying to find time to do it all and have it all; and what we wind up with is very often shallow acquaintances and fellowship. The saddest part is we tend to be the same with the ONE who loves us most - God. As we embark upon the New Year trying to prioritize our life maybe it's time we took a closer look at HIS example of friendship where no boundaries exist, and HE sits just waiting for us to come. I pray we'll become HIS 'cherished' friend.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"....You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord..." - Jeremiah 29:13

P.S. - We will be gathering for our monthly prayer meeting tonight at 6:30pm. Hope you can join us!

Personally Known

God has no grandchildren; either you know Him personally or you don't know Him at all. - J. Ray

Hannah dedicated her son Samuel to the faith, but God 'called' him to the ministry. And CALLED he was. WOW!

It's both sad and true, but for many of us going to church is something we do because mom and/or dad dragged us there while we were growing up and now we've become 'accustomed' to it. We have inherited our parents religion and we're comfortable with it. But if we must stand before God one day and give an account of ourselves, it is highly apparent we must know God and what He requires of us apart from our relationship to our parents. In other words we must know God for ourselves. Mother and father can do great things but getting us into heaven is not one of them.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...Yet, to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12

From Preparation Comes Effectiveness

Every time you are not practicing, someone else is. – Boris Becker

Satan never got the upper hand on Jesus because of his practice. He communed with his Father daily. Hmm!

It’s a strange phenomenon, but when we see professional athletes, businesspeople, or friends continuously “handed their lunch” by someone, we say they are weak or need more practice. But we often never apply that logic to ourselves in our Christian walk, suffering the same sins and breakdowns over and over. We know within ourselves that our enemy never takes a break or holiday, but we often never take time out to prepare for his onslaughts, which leave us frustrated. True, we walk by faith, but effectiveness comes from being prepared.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.” – Psalm 119:54-56

Hope Does Not Disappoint

The greatest enemy of man is not disease, old age, or death. It is despair. – Anon

When tragedy struck them Job’s wife told him he should “curse God and die.” Job knew God was really all he needed. Amen!

Though life is full of good days and bad days, often at times if we’re not careful we tend to dwell more on the bad, leading to despondency. The greatest tool of our enemy is despair, and it is used more often than any other. A man without hope is a beaten, defeated man. You can be sure situations will arise today to steal your joy, reminders from the past will arise to try and hold you back, and pessimists will be present within any opportunity presented to try and deflate your spirit. Don’t lose focus!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” –Romans 5:2-5

The Power of Thanks

"Thanks" is still one of the world's best painkillers! - Dudley Rutherford

When the 1 leper came back to say thanks, Jesus took notice. Hmm!

It takes a real person to be a Christian. To live in this world with bad, ungrateful, self-centered people. To reach out and serve them time and again and never hear the word 'thanks', or 'thank you!' But like Jesus it is what we are called to do. It is said we get back in kind what we give, so let us first learn the true art of thankfulness, starting with God. Then, through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, learn to be 'thankful' in all situations ourselves, whether we are aiding someone or receiving aid ourselves. This attitude puts the pain-relieving action in motion. And God who sees and hears us will be glorified, and isn't that the end result we all want anyway?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...... give thanks with a grateful heart......"

The Right Tool for the Right Job

When your only tool is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. – A. Maslow

Though Jesus was raised as a carpenter's son, he rarely used those tools. Hmm!

The right tool for the job. Although a slogan borrowed by many a hardware store or craftsman, it is a reality born out of God’s word. If you’re still getting results you don’t like, maybe you’re using the wrong tool. We need to sometimes ask ourselves based on what is presently going on in our lives, what tool is God trying to add to our toolbox? A little love, compassion, or forgiveness maybe? Or maybe even some patience, prayer, humility, or wisdom. Remember He’s equipping us for His glory not our own, that the world may know we are His by our “handiwork.”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Study to show yourself approved…….that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – II Timothy 3:17

All Things Are Possible, But Not Until You Pray

Work as if everything depends on you and pray as if everything depends on GOD. – D.L. Moody

In the battle against the Amalekites Joshua fought for the people, while Moses lifted up his hands in prayer for them. God gave them victory!

Truth be told most of us live by the thought “if it’s going to be, then it’s up to me,” and in a majority of situations we often have no problem trying to do everything ourselves. We often feel no one can do it like us anyway, and we really are Superman or Superwoman. God did call us to serve, but He never intended for us to serve alone or in our own strength. Things that are to be are not solely up to us, for God is in the very details of life. So yes we work, but we work with purpose; remembering we can do all things through prayer but we cannot do anything until we pray!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’ But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands.’” – Nehemiah 6:9

The Fullest Day

Putting off plans doesn’t put off life. – Anon

The people scoffed at Noah when he was building the ark, but the rains did come. OUCH!

PROCRASTINATION: it offers us a very comfortable place or way to live – for today. But also, with today we’re a day older and closer to meeting with eternity. Our dreams of love, life, adventure, etc. all come with an expiration date, and the reasons we often put forth as to why we shouldn’t pursue them are shallow at best. Things may or may not work out, but we will never know until we at least begin the attempt, inviting God into the mix. Today is the gift God gives us, and no, we don’t try to live all of life in this one day, but in this one day we should live life to the fullest.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’” – Ecclesiastes 12:1